Dal Chawal (Dal Bhat) The ultimate south asian comfort food
Daal Chawal is a popular and comforting dish from the Indian subcontinent, typically consisting of lentils (daal) and rice (chawal). This recipe adds a spicy twist to the traditional dish.
Ingredients
For the Daal
- 1cupsplit red lentils (masoor dal) or yellow lentils (toor dal)
- 1piecemedium onion, finely chopped
- 2piecemedium tomatoes, finely chopped
- 3piecegreen chillies, slit lengthwise
- 2tspred chilli powder (adjust to taste)
- 1tspturmeric powder
- 1tspcumin seeds
- 1tspmustard seeds
- 1tbspginger-garlic paste
- 3piecedried red chillies (optional for extra heat)
- 1pinchasafoetida (hing)
- 2tspgaram masala
- 1tbspghee or oil
- 1bundlefresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- 1dashsalt to taste
- 1cupwater (as needed)
For the Chawal (Rice)
- 1cupbasmati rice
- 2cupwater
- 1tspcumin seeds (optional)
- 1dashsalt to taste
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
260.0kcal (13%)
Protein
10.0g (20%)
Carbs
40.0g (14.55%)
Sugars
5.0g (10%)
Healthy Fat
3.9g
Unhealthy Fat
2.5g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
How to make Dal Chawal (Dal Bhat) The ultimate south asian comfort food
Prepare the Daal
Wash the lentils thoroughly and soak them in water for about 15-20 minutes.
In a pressure cooker or a pot, add the soaked lentils, turmeric powder, and enough water to cover the lentils. Cook until the lentils are soft and mushy. Set aside.
Heat ghee or oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and asafoetida. Once they splutter, add the dried red chillies (if using) and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
Add tomatoes and green chillies. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and mushy.
Add red chilli powder and salt. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
Add the cooked lentils to the pan, mix well, and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes. Adjust the consistency by adding water if necessary.
Add garam masala and chopped coriander leaves. Mix well and remove from heat.
Prepare the Chawal
Wash the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear.
In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt and cumin seeds (if using). Add the rice and cook until done. Drain excess water if necessary and fluff the rice with a fork.
Serve
Serve the spicy daal hot with the rice. You can garnish the daal with a little more ghee and fresh coriander leaves.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
260.0kcal (13%)
Protein
10.0g (20%)
Carbs
40.0g (14.55%)
Sugars
5.0g (10%)
Healthy Fat
3.9g
Unhealthy Fat
2.5g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
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Tips & Tricks
Adjust the amount of red chilli powder according to your spice preference.
Soaking the lentils helps them cook faster and more evenly.
You can use a rice cooker to cook the rice for convenience.
FAQS
How do I cook lentils for Spicy Daal Chawal?
To cook lentils for Spicy Daal Chawal, wash 1 cup of split red lentils (masoor dal) or yellow lentils (toor dal) thoroughly and soak them in water for about 15-20 minutes. Then, in a pressure cooker or pot, add the soaked lentils along with turmeric powder and enough water to cover them. Cook until the lentils are soft and mushy, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes in a pressure cooker or 20-25 minutes in a pot.
What are some good substitutions for ingredients in Spicy Daal Chawal?
If you don't have split red lentils, you can substitute them with yellow lentils or even green lentils, although cooking times may vary. For a vegan option, replace ghee with vegetable oil. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of green chillies and red chilli powder. Additionally, if you don't have garam masala, you can make a simple blend using cumin, coriander, and a pinch of cinnamon.
Can I store leftover Spicy Daal Chawal, and how should I do it?
Yes, you can store leftover Spicy Daal Chawal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to adjust the consistency. For longer storage, you can freeze the daal for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
What can I serve with Spicy Daal Chawal for a complete meal?
Spicy Daal Chawal is a hearty dish on its own, but you can enhance your meal by serving it with a side of pickles, yogurt, or a fresh salad. For added protein, consider pairing it with a side of roasted or fried vegetables, or even some crispy papadums. A sprinkle of fresh lemon juice can also brighten the flavors.
Is Spicy Daal Chawal suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, Spicy Daal Chawal is naturally gluten-free as it primarily consists of lentils and rice, both of which do not contain gluten. However, always check the labels of any additional ingredients like spices or ghee to ensure they are gluten-free, especially if you have a severe gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
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